Replacement for Skype (to call UK only)

[KhunHeineken]

On 5/8/2025 at 12:37 PM, Greenside said:

I've just spent the best part of two days searching for that elusive Skype-to-Phone replacement and Localphone plus their softphone app on my PC was in the lead  until I ran into trouble installing their softphone app. I too read the TrustPilot grumps about customer support so I was surprised and delighted when they followed up an instant automated response to my report with really helpful emails from real people with contact details so I could address them directly.  After checking the version and update details of my installed Windows 10, Alan, told me that a recent Windows update had rendered the softphone inoperable and although they had their developers working on it, it wouldn't be a quick fix.  Finally, at about midnight UK time, Rikki Agustin, the sales manager sent me a useful set of third party softphone installation screenshots.  Very helpful.  (I can't spare the time to check, but I suspect the Trust Pilot critical service reviews were all fairly old so don't overlook Localphone)

Did you check out Viber? 

 

It's very similar to Skype. 

[xylophone]

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Did you check out Viber? 

 

It's very similar to Skype. 

Looked at it but have to download an app onto my mobile and also have the Scan capability on the phone, so it becomes a no-no for me, thanks anyway.

[KhunHeineken]

21 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Looked at it but have to download an app onto my mobile and also have the Scan capability on the phone, so it becomes a no-no for me, thanks anyway.

What's the problem with putting an app on your phone and scanning a QR code on your PC screen, if you want to use it on a PC? 

[xylophone]

27 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

What's the problem with putting an app on your phone and scanning a QR code on your PC screen, if you want to use it on a PC? 

I did look for the app in the app store but couldn't find it and I don't have WiFi on my old series 5 iPhone.....will have another look/try tomorrow, thanks.

[scubascuba3]

8 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Did you check out Viber? 

 

It's very similar to Skype. 

I'm trying install Viber but keeps failing to recognise call and activate. Seems a common problem, I won't waste any more time, review from Play Store

[scubascuba3]

I just installed Talk360 app, simple process, smooth, unlike other apps, reviews good also

[Greenside]

Was checking Talk360 and Viber on Trust Pilot and Complaintsboard and neither inspire confidence - I'm still considering Voiper softphone for Windows and Localphone as the voip provider.

Wish there was someone here who has a setup like this working, as almost all the Skype wanabies seem to be poorly managed with dreadful user interfaces.

 

[topt]

16 hours ago, SMIAI said:

Why only Windows? is there not a Smartphone available to make the calls via Application?

Not sure I understand your question. What exactly are you looking for that hasn't been mentioned in one of the various Skype threads currently or recently running?

 

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, Greenside said:

Was checking Talk360 and Viber on Trust Pilot and Complaintsboard and neither inspire confidence - I'm still considering Voiper softphone for Windows and Localphone as the voip provider.

Wish there was someone here who has a setup like this working, as almost all the Skype wanabies seem to be poorly managed with dreadful user interfaces.

 

Installed Talk360 today, bought credit, painless. Slick compared to the others I tried

[KhunHeineken]

7 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I'm trying install Viber but keeps failing to recognise call and activate. Seems a common problem, I won't waste any more time, review from Play Store

Strange. 

 

I installed it some time ago without a problem.  As for high call charges, they have great unlimited plans.  Why would they go to so much trouble to delete the account?  Just uninstall it. Not sure what country, or device they are on, or their financial capacity, but I see they are promoting other products.  Could be a fake review. 

 

I accept what you say.  Another member had a similar issue. 

 

Here's some Viber stats. 

 

https://usesignhouse.com/blog/viber-stats/

 

"The number of Viber users worldwide was estimated to be 1.3 billion in 2022."

 

Viber must be doing something right.

[KhunHeineken]

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I just installed Talk360 app, simple process, smooth, unlike other apps, reviews good also

I checked out Talk360 rates.  One of the most expensive rates of all the Skype alternatives put forward over all these Skype threads. 

 

To UK:

 

Mobile 6p and Landline 4p per minute. 

 

To Australia:

 

Mobile 12c and Landline 6c per minute. (AUD) 

 

They don't offer an unlimited calls / minutes subscription. 

[KhunHeineken]

2 hours ago, Greenside said:

Was checking Talk360 and Viber on Trust Pilot and Complaintsboard and neither inspire confidence - I'm still considering Voiper softphone for Windows and Localphone as the voip provider.

Wish there was someone here who has a setup like this working, as almost all the Skype wanabies seem to be poorly managed with dreadful user interfaces.

 

If ease of setup is what you are after, have a look at this product.  It doesn't get any easier, and they have good rates. 

 

https://www.voipbuster.com/dashboard

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Could be a fake review. 

Doubt it as I had the same issue, he probably got angry with all the hassle so wanted to make a point

[SMIAI]

The earlier question was for @Greenside , as to why only a Windows 10 device is being considered.

In addition.. are they referring to Zoiper, rather than Voiper? https://www.zoiper.com/en/voip-softphone/download/current

 

I would imagine that Localphone are suggesting Zoiper, configured with their details.

 

[SMIAI]

https://www.voipbuster.com/dashboard 

recommended here by a certain member, charges up to £0.11 per minute to U.K. landlines and £0.153 to U.K. mobiles. He claims they have "good rates" whilst criticising TALK360 for charging £0.04 and £0.06 respectively. 🙂 

 

United Kingdom (Landline)	£ 0.008	£ 0.008
United Kingdom [non-EU-callerid] (Landline)	£ 0.110	£ 0.110
United Kingdom [Main] (Mobile)	£ 0.153	£ 0.153
United Kingdom [Main][non-EU-callerid] (Mobile)	£ 0.153	£ 0.153
United Kingdom [Others] (Mobile)	£ 0.297	£ 0.297
United Kingdom [Others][non-EU-callerid] (Mobile)	£ 0.297	£ 0.297
United Kingdom [084 Rate] (Landline)	£ 0.085	£ 0.085
United Kingdom [087 Rate] (Landline)	£ 0.170	£ 0.170
United Kingdom [Personal] (Landline)	£ 0.255

[Greenside]

1 hour ago, SMIAI said:

The earlier question was for @Greenside , as to why only a Windows 10 device is being considered.

In addition.. are they referring to Zoiper, rather than Voiper? https://www.zoiper.com/en/voip-softphone/download/current

 

I would imagine that Localphone are suggesting Zoiper, configured with their details.

 

Quite right.  Localphone told me that Zoiper, 3CX and MicroSip were popular choices for their customers after their softphone app was rendered unusable by a recent windows update.  I am really only interested in a solution that allows me to call from my desktop as the hardware is decently setup for video and audio calls.  Also, the kind of calls I need to make  to UK landlines don't lend themselves to using a mobile - mine at least has patchy reception around our house and I often want to take notes or access files on the computer.  Losing Skype is proving a real expat headache 😞

[scubascuba3]

5 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

I checked out Talk360 rates.  One of the most expensive rates of all the Skype alternatives put forward over all these Skype threads. 

 

To UK:

 

Mobile 6p and Landline 4p per minute. 

 

To Australia:

 

Mobile 12c and Landline 6c per minute. (AUD) 

 

They don't offer an unlimited calls / minutes subscription. 

Talk360 seems cheaper than Yolla and actually works compared to other apps I tried

[KhunHeineken]

8 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Talk360 seems cheaper than Yolla and actually works compared to other apps I tried

Am I missing something?

 

Is the below link the company / product you are talking about? 

 

https://www.talk360.com

 

If so, there is no "THB" in their drop down currency payment list.  Where does your screenshot come from?

 

Below is what I get when selecting GBP on the Talk360 website. 

 

From www.xe.com  - 6p is 2.63THB and 4p is 1.75THB.

 

 

Who will you call today?

Click below to find the rate for the country you will call

5 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.

Mobile

£ 0,06 / min

Landline

£ 0,04 / min

[SMIAI]

Perhaps you should get on with using the recommended Softphone software together with Localphone @Greenside What is stopping you? It's not a large investment and they are considerably cheaper than the others mentioned here.

Smartphone works for me, you can use WiFi is your mobile connection is patchy.

[Greenside]

Nothing stopping me except children home from school, Camera to prepare for sale, mower blade needs sharpening and about 50 other household duties... I started setting up Localphone with 3CX last night and will test it when the UK wakes up today.  By the way, For anyone considering Google Voice....

[SMIAI]

What prompted you to choose 3CX?

I think people download Google Voice by setting up a Google Playstore Account in a corresponding region. But don't quote me on that 😊

Alternatively, try downloading the .xapk: https://google-voice.en.uptodown.com/android/download/1079812772-x

2025.05.04.756771251

May 10, 2025 15.37 MB

is the version available there.

 

 

[Greenside]

I've been trying to get round the loss of Skype to Phone for almost a month now and thought I'd found a workable solution: LocalPhone with 3CX but they have just told me that I need a uk number to finish the setup.  No problem in theory - a virtual number will work OK (although I've minimal interest in receiving incoming calls), but getting one from Localphone is starting to look tiresome and potentially a bit pricey.
"To place an order, please go to the "Incoming Number" tab of your account and submit the following UK end-user requirements for the number activation:
For personal identity verification:
* Name, last name
* Contact phone number in full international format
* Passport & Government ID of Responsible Person
* Utility Bill as account owners address (Issued within the last 6 months)
* Address worldwide (street, building number, postal code, city and country)

I just revisited Viber, despite the dreadful Trustpilot reviews, noticed the permissions needed to install the Android app needed to call from the desktop. and it's hard to see anything they forgot to include.  A dealbreaker for me, at least.
Has anyone tried an IP phone and a voip gateway provider?  My requirements are similar to the O'P's.

[topt]

39 minutes ago, Greenside said:

Has anyone tried an IP phone and a voip gateway provider?  My requirements are similar to the O'P's.

I think @ukrules posted a similar solution (for him) in one of the other threads.

[ukrules]

22 minutes ago, topt said:

I think @ukrules posted a similar solution (for him) in one of the other threads.

 

Indeed, I'm using a windows program named MicroSIP along with an account at something called VOIPStudio.

There are issues getting a phone number but they can be resolved if you speak to their support.

At first they demanded something quite illegal for them to request from me - because I'm on an IP in Asia they would not accept a UK credit card, I complained about this and they requested a passport scan AND a scan of both sides of my credit card - now I know the rules about payment systems and they or their staff are NEVER allowed to ever see the 3 digit security code under PCI rules for online transactions - which they specifically said they 'need' to see.

I opened up 2 accounts with different companies.

I told them to pound sand on the credit card request and pointed out that it's illegal for them to request such information - but voipstudio do offer a bank deposit method of payment - which I then used.

 

And after that it works. No proof of address required, funds came from a UK bank account and they knew this so they approved it after I sent them a ticket.

Note - it is important to get a phone number or calls will be rejected from many networks if there is no number attached - not all - but many.

My monthly plan is about 20 pounds a month and offers thousands of minutes to both landlines and mobiles in the UK through voipstudio - just fund it with a bank transfer not a credit card.

So based on my experience I would suggest MicroSIP as the program and VOIPStudio but only with direct bank deposit - I sent them enough funds to cover many months of usage.

 

I do believe that VOIPStudio offer their own 'softphone' but I use SIPGate specifically as it offers call recording in the mp3 format which is what I required from the outset. If you don't want call recording in mp3 then there are many more options.

 

 

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, Greenside said:

I've been trying to get round the loss of Skype to Phone for almost a month now and thought I'd found a workable solution: LocalPhone with 3CX but they have just told me that I need a uk number to finish the setup.  No problem in theory - a virtual number will work OK (although I've minimal interest in receiving incoming calls), but getting one from Localphone is starting to look tiresome and potentially a bit pricey.
"To place an order, please go to the "Incoming Number" tab of your account and submit the following UK end-user requirements for the number activation:
For personal identity verification:
* Name, last name
* Contact phone number in full international format
* Passport & Government ID of Responsible Person
* Utility Bill as account owners address (Issued within the last 6 months)
* Address worldwide (street, building number, postal code, city and country)

I just revisited Viber, despite the dreadful Trustpilot reviews, noticed the permissions needed to install the Android app needed to call from the desktop. and it's hard to see anything they forgot to include.  A dealbreaker for me, at least.
Has anyone tried an IP phone and a voip gateway provider?  My requirements are similar to the O'P's.

I would give mytello app a go, seems cheap to UK, I've installed Talk360 bought credit but not tried it yet, slick so far

[Magictoad]

WhatsApp 

[Magictoad]

On 5/10/2025 at 10:22 AM, topt said:

Not sure I understand your question. What exactly are you looking for that hasn't been mentioned in one of the various Skype threads currently or recently running?

 

Why don't people just use WhatsApp 

[Greenside]

1 hour ago, Magictoad said:

Why don't people just use WhatsApp 

I certainly would if I could persuade HSBC (Belsize Park Branch), Royal Bank of Scotland, Aviva Insurance, the Gatwick Airport lost luggage department, Budget Rent-a-Car Madrid,
EuroTunnel Bookings and the Taxi Rank at St Pancras Station to install it.   That's Why 🙂

 

[topt]

2 hours ago, Magictoad said:

Why don't people just use WhatsApp 

You have your answer above - and has been answered before..................

HMRC also works well with WhatsApp.........not 

[bunnydrops]

If you go back and forth and need a phone while in the UK, you might give Lycamobile a look. I am from the US and use them $19 a month, free calling to and from Thailand. They also operate in the UK. Calls to your UK number will ring in Thailand, works with banks.

https://www.lycamobile.co.uk/en/